Stratford Normal School - Classic Yearbook (Stratford, Ontario Canada)

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June 1923 THE It has been said that the joys of anticipation are greater than those of realization but the students who have been privileged to attend this Normal School can testify that the reverse is the case. Prior to last Septem- ber the year to be spent in Stratford Normal School was regarded as a disagreeable yet necessary bridge between us and our ambition. Such were our thoughts when as strangers we first crossed the threshold of this institution. But how speedily did this viewpoint change! A few short weeks passed and the very halls and corridors of the building assumed a new meanng for usp the unfamiliar and seemingly unharmonious surroundings melted into a softer tone and we were strangers no longer. As the weeks and months hastened by and as we came to know our teachers and fellow students better there arose in our hearts a deep thanksgiving that Pio- vidence had guided our footsteps to the Normal School. We found in each other a perseverance and dogged de- termination, we found companion spirits with ideals and aspirations like unto our own, and we found with those companion spirits that fellowship that strengthens and inspires. Small wonder, then, that out of that fellow- ship should spring the many deep-rooted friendships that will grow and develop throughout the years even though the barrier of distance may separate each from the other. The various school activities of the year have been a decided success. Every organization has executed its function with but a single aim--the welfare of the school and the progress of every individual member. Our ath- letic and literary attainments compare favourably with the standards set up by previous classes. Our numer- CLASSIC Page Thirty-Three ous social gatherings have been happy events replete with music, laughter and song. This record has only been possible through the excellent co-operation and faithful service of everyone and through the continuance of that undefinable something known as uesprit de corps. The progress of any body of students in any institution depends largely upon the character and personality of the individuals who lead them in their studies. ln this branch of our training we have been most fortunate in having the sympathetic guidance and advice of an ex- ceptionally capable staff of masters and instructors. They have given freely of their time and talent in our behalf, they have laboured unceasingly to place before us the best of principles, methods, and morals, and they have imbued us with a desire to go out into the schools of our land to strengthen and improve our national educational status. For these faithful friends we will always hold a warm spot in our hearts. To the teachers in the Practice Schools, too, we would express our gratitude. Their counsel and kind criticism have been most timely, and often we have wondered at their patience and forbearance. Our crude attempts at teaching during the early part of the year must have been somewhat of a trial to them and again it must have been a delight to note our gradual improvement under their tutorship. Our sojourn in Stratford has been brightened by the friendly attitude of the citizens themselves. From the very first they made us feel that we were welcome as the flowers of May. The churches and ministers of the city have been most gracious and we shall carry away

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Page Thirty-Two THE CLASSIC June 1923 -.riff ' faf ,, - rf 5. .,-1 A .-Q ' A swing of Oil-'lagan's mighty arm, a streak of white, a thud in the catcher's mitt, a belated grunt, and the story of London at bat is told. Perchance it is unwise to disclose figures at this early date. We do not wish to lose our phenomenal twirler to the Giants or Phillies. Suffice it to say that O'l'lagan pitched a wonderful game, getting nineteen strike-outs. There was a noticeable breeze occasioned by the frenzied swings of the Londoners. O'Hagan received good support from his team- mates and when the game was finished, Stratford Normal School had the heavy end of a 7-3 score. W. A. MORRISON. If a fee of fifty cents were charged to see the sun rise, nine-tenths of the world would be up in the morning. VALEDICTORY There is a tide in the affairs of men, Whiclm, taken at the flood, leads on to fortuneg Cmitted, all the voyage of their life ls bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloatg And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures. --Shakespeare. The swift foot of Time has advanced to another milestone and we, his companion travellers, can al- ready discern at the crossroads the inevitable sign-board of our destiny symbolizing our graduation from the school of books to the school of life. The intervening space is short and straight and our path is well marked out, but beyond all is vague and indistinct. Like the ship that picks its way across the harbour before it ar- rives at open water so we are given a brief opportunity for reflection before our frail craft ventures out amidst the storms of life. ' . Contemplation leads us back through all the years of our academic career. We recall the many pleasant associations that have brightened and cheered our way. We remember with an intense gratitude the kindly in- dividuals Who gave us our directions and pointed out for us the goal of life. As we proceeded through each grade of our primary and secondary education we form- ed friendships that have lasted and will last throughout the years. Then we entered upon our professional train- ing at the Stratford Normal School and found in it per- haps the happiest and most profitable experiences of our whole school career.

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Page Thirty-Four THE nothing but pleasant remembrances concerning them. Any projects that we initiated were well supported by the city and for this we are greatly indebted. But the time draws rapidly near when we must bid our friends a final and affectionate farewell. Our stay in the best school of all is limited. Within a short time now we must gather together the threads of knowledge that we have accumulated and advance to new spheres of action. As Longfellow has said we must Hlook not mournfully into the pastg it comes not back again. Nve must rather go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart. Many individuals in our class will undoubtedly achieve distinction in the 'coming years. When such dis- tinctions are bestowed it will be with a feeling of pride that we shall recall that the honoured man or woman was a member of our year. Perhaps others of us may not be privileged to do the big things but let us perform the duty that falls to our lot faithfully and well, remember- ing that we must be held accountable in that final day for the smallest talent. nl shall pass this Way but once. Any good thing therefore that l can do, or any kindness that l can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let we not de- fer it, or neglect it, for l shall not pass this way again. --B. Gilpin. The hours are ticking away and the last final hour in this dear old school is drawing very near. It is hard to smile sometimes when we realize that never again shall we all meet together. We may wander back to the school in the park but other voices than ours will re- CLASSIC June 1923 sound through the classrooms and other feet will climb the familiar stairways that lead to the fountains of knowf ledge. Yet can we not smile and say with Tennyson: 'isharers of our glorious past, Brothers, must We part at last? Shall we not through good and ill Cleave to one another still? As We scatter to the four points of the compass we shall each be surrounded by a different atmosphere and we shall each be associated with a different school, but our Alma Mater will ever hold for us a tender wealth of memory. The red brick edifice with its stately dome, set so artistically amidst the green and the gold of the sur- rounding foliage, and with the shining waters of the Avon in the background, will ever symbolize for us all that is worth-while and precious. Every brick will re- present some pleasant incident or association of this happyyyear. lVlay each one of us experience a fuller interpretation of that little gem of l..ongfelloW's as We repeat it together for the last time amid this beloved environment. 'il have you fast in my fortress, And will not let you depart, But put you down into the dungeon ln the round-tour of my heart. And there will l keep you forever, Yes, for ever and a clay, Till the walls shall crumble to ruin, And moulder in dust away! ELGIN G. TURN BULL.